A major victory in conservation: The Kolar Leaf-Nosed Bat
Have you ever dreamed of discovering a species thought to be extinct? Well, Lokana Team members Chelmala Srinivasulu, Bhargavi Srinivasulu, and their son Aditya, did just that 4 years ago. Their team of researchers from Osmania University and the Biodiversity Research and Conservation Society, Hyderabad, discovered the Kolar leaf-nosed bat (Hipposideros hypophyllus), previously thought to be extinct, in the Kolar district of Karnataka. (Read more below)
This exciting discovery was tempered by the fact that only 200-300 bats of this species remained. Moreover, the caves in which these bats lived were threatened by granite quarrying. Through their tireless efforts in community education and advocacy, the Srinivasulus were able to rally the public and the government to understand the value of this species and the imminent threat of extinction. Their message was spread through local, regional, and national newspapers.
Just this week, their efforts resulted in a remarkable victory for conservation in south India : the creation of a Conservation Reserve by the state of Karnataka to protect the caves and hillocks the bats call home. We are immensely proud of the Srinivasulus’ efforts in a lifetime of commitment to south India’s wilderness and to creatures large and small. (Read more below)
https://www.deccanherald.com/state/kolar-leaf-nosed-bat-habitat-712306.html